How do I cite a map in Vancouver?

To cite a map in Vancouver (ICMJE), include the author, title, date, and source location. Use our free citation generator for automatic formatting.

What is the Vancouver format for a map citation?

The Vancouver format for a map is: Ordnance Survey. Great Britain [map]. Southampton: Ordnance Survey; 2015.

What does the in-text citation look like for a map in Vancouver?

In Vancouver, the in-text citation for the example above is (1)

How to Cite a Map in Vancouver (ICMJE)

Learn how to cite printed maps, atlases, and dynamic maps like Google Maps in Vancouver format (ICMJE). This guide includes the reference list format, in-text citation examples, and key formatting rules.

Vancouver Reference List Format

Here is the standard Vancouver format for citing a map in your reference list:

Ordnance Survey. Great Britain [map]. Southampton: Ordnance Survey; 2015.

Vancouver Example for a Map

A complete Vancouver reference for a map, formatted by the official Vancouver CSL style definition — the same engine that powers the generator on this site:

1. Cartwright N. Historic library districts of Boston. Boston: Meridian Cartographic; 2015.

Matching in-text citation: (1)

Vancouver In-Text Citation

Use one of these formats when referencing this source within your paper:

Parenthetical

(1)

Narrative

The map (1) shows...

Key Vancouver Formatting Rules

Treat the map like a book: cartographer/publisher, title, [map], place, publisher, and year.
Number the reference in the order it first appears in the text.
Add the medium designator [map] after the title.
For an online map, add '[cited Year Mon Day]' and 'Available from:' with the URL.

Step-by-Step Guide

Gather source information: Collect the author name, title, publication date, and URL or DOI for your map.
Format the reference: Arrange the elements following the Vancouver (ICMJE) template shown above.
Create the in-text citation: Add a parenthetical or narrative citation in your paper where you reference this source.
Add to your reference list: Include the full formatted citation at the end of your paper.
Double-check formatting: Verify italics, punctuation, capitalization, and hanging indents match Vancouver requirements.

Evidence and review notes

Worked examples are generated by citeproc from the published CSL definition, not written by a language model. Editorial guidance and sources in this section were reviewed on 2026-08-14.

CSL style record: vancouver.csl

Editorial sources

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I cite a map in Vancouver?: To cite a map in Vancouver (ICMJE), include the author, title, date, and source location. Use our free citation generator for automatic formatting.
What is the Vancouver format for a map citation?: The Vancouver format for a map is: Ordnance Survey. Great Britain [map]. Southampton: Ordnance Survey; 2015.
What does the in-text citation look like for a map in Vancouver?: In Vancouver, the in-text citation for the example above is (1)